What are your thoughts on the Supreme Court case of Snyder vs. Phelps?

October 12, 2010

Ashley Forbis ( in Tonganoxie) says...

“I believe in the First Amendment’s vital role in our democracy and am willing to tolerate ridiculous expressions of free speech in its defense. Though this right allows one to spread hate through speech, it doesn’t change that it’s morally and ethically wrong to target a certain individual with such speech. There is a fine line between expressing your rights and abusing them. The Supreme Court should be careful not to let our rights be set purely by those who wish to abuse them.”

Kara Reed ( in Tonganoxie) says...

“Westboro Baptist Church’s actions are disgusting and hateful. It’s totally reprehensible that they torture families during an already difficult time. I’d love nothing more than to see them have to pay out millions of dollars to those they’ve hurt. That being said, I love the Constitution more than I despise Fred Phelps' followers and think the First Amendment has to be protected. I hope counter protest groups such as Patriot Guard Riders will continue their work and the societal marginalization of Phelps' followers will eventually discourage them from protesting.”

Heather DeMaranville ( in Tonganoxie) says...

“Although this may be a basic First Amendment right question, I question what right does someone else have to inflict emotional distress on someone else. I believe we are all entitled to our own thoughts and opinions — that is what our country is based on. However, nobody has the right to harass anyone for any reason. Those troops protecting us (all of us, even Phelps and his followers) and their families should be given the respect they have earned and deserve.”